Part 2: The Pros Give Us Some Advice and What About Talking to Editors Anyway?

Last week I started a series that featured some writer friends who have some excellent books out this year. I asked them to send me their latest book, their tagline and a short piece of advice they wanted to pass on to writers, especially those still seeking publication. Last week CHERYL RAINFIELD visited. Today I have one of my critique partners, YVONNE VENTRESCA. Waving at YV! Take it away.

Tagline: In Pandemic, a teenage girl struggles to survive not only a deadly influenza outbreak and its real-life consequences, but also her own personal demons.

Advice from YV: Author Richard Bach said, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” Persistence is definitely key in this business. Good writing is certainly important, but there’s something to be said for not giving up.

Thanks Great Critique Partner.

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And now about talking to editors.

The first time I had a chance to talk to an editor in person was at a conference, and my tongue kept sticking to the roof of my mouth. No wonder she didn’t have any encouragement for me. How could she ever work with an author who couldn’t get her ideas across.

My next encounter with an editor was much smoother. I could talk. I could tell her what my idea was and why I was presenting it to her. Hurray! I was learning. Here are some tips that I used in that second face-to-face with someone I wanted to interest in my book.

I planned for this meeting far in advance. I knew about the editor, what she was looking for, and I knew about her press–what they’d recently published. I was confident my book was a match for her and her company.

Just before the conference, I interacted with her via Twitter. She was posting about her walk on the beach (the conference was on the CA coast), so I Tweeted her that I lived nearby and knew the place she was describing. That’s all. No pitch. No hustle.

I made sure to attend the social gatherings, met her and talked about her walk on the beach. Again, that was all. I kept it social, but I wanted her to know I was the one who had Tweeted her earlier.

I arrived exactly on time for our fifteen minute meeting. It was easy to greet her since we’d already had two informal encounters.

Earlier, I’d paid careful attention to her presentation on the editors’ panel, and I used this line to start our conversation about my proposal. ” I liked what you said about realistic fiction for teens. It made me think you might be interested in my idea.”

I had my tagline memorized, and I told her I would follow up with a query if she was interested in my idea.

I admit that she didn’t buy my manuscript, but she did ask for it, and she gave me some excellent advice when she turned me down. I know it was her advice that led to my sale of that book later because it changed the book from one that wouldn’t sell, to one that might. I don’t think she would have bothered if I hadn’t laid some ground work to meet her and present my idea clearly.

While my sale didn’t happen as I’d hoped, it did happen, and I believe it was because I’d made a connection with this editor, and she was willing to take the time to help me.

Did you like YV’s quote? Be sure to check out her book. It’s good. Any other ideas on meeting with editors/agents? Oh, and Happy Bastille Day.

Yes, the quote Yvonne shared is now on my bulletin board. Good advice to pass along.

I also operate along the same lines when meeting people. Start on a social level, if possible. Heck…these people see hundreds—nay, thousands of people—each trying to push something on them. I'm sure it can sometimes go in one ear and out the other. But to have met first on a more social level adds a relaxed feel to it, however nominal. I think that opens the ears and the mind a little more.

Been busy, busy, busy. Thanks for coming by and your support. It's been a bit tough, and without it, heck…I don't know what I'd do. Hopefully, I'll soon join you as a published author. 🙂

I feel bad for my first editor I dont know how he ever tolerated me… I was always a nervous wreck! Although looking back with some experience he new I was a novice and I think he promised a far more in depth editorial experience than he provided. oh well, live and learn.

I think she went about the whole thing in exactly the right way. People in any business are pleased when you acknowledge they're more than simply their occupation. Good move that resulted in good advice!

I would hope an editor would understand that authors are nervous while talking to a real-life editor! We also can often be better at conveying our ideas in writing. Great tips! My journey was similar–I had close calls with editors over the years that didn't quite work out…but then one day I sold and I realized all of that was part of growing as a writer.

Although she didn't accept your manuscript, it was nice of that editor to steer your work in a better direction. Sometimes, the best advice comes after being rejected. I love the quote you shared. As authors, we live to write. I know for me, I can't breath without it. Whether or not my books become a huge success, if I have inspired someone in some way, my job is done. Because it's through our writing that we are able to move people and become better people ourselves.

Whew! It all makes me tired. Or it could just be that it's dinner time and I need to have something to eat. =) I think any time you establish personal relationships you up your chances. They invest in the individual as much as the writing.